Green or scene?

These days, environmentalism is in.

Everywhere you look, major retailers are selling organic cotton clothing and products made from recycled materials, while politicians tout climate-friendly platforms and sift through the environmental voting histories of their opponents. It seems as if anyone can slap the word "green" on something and benefit from it.

Now don't get me wrong; as a longtime advocate for the environment, and an activist for the past couple years, I have longed for the day that environmental consciousness would become the norm. At the risk of sounding pretentious, I'd like to think that I was green before it was cool.

There's no doubt that mainstream commercial cooperation is a step in the right direction, but I can't help but wonder if this is the real deal or if it's just another fad.

While it's true that widespread collaboration and involvement is a must to conquer the climate crisis that we face, my question is one of sincerity and genuine concern.

Sure, you bought that trendy organic cotton T-shirt from Abercrombie with the witty slogan about "doing it in the dark," but what about those empty Keystone cans you ditched at the bus stop Friday night? What about that Big Mac you scarfed down in between classes? The impact of these actions is something to be contemplated.

I'm not condemning those who don't live a perfectly eco-friendly life; I'll admit I don't. I'm only advising those who think they're doing some good to check the facts and be consistent.

Stay informed. Awareness is what will eventually point us in the right direction. Research statistics on renewable energy, recycling, organic agriculture and other green options - find specific ways in your life that you can make a difference instead of blindly buying or believing anything advertised as "green".

Play your part, but don't follow the crowd - that's the kind of thinking that got us into this mess. It's not a clear-cut answer; it's different for everybody, but sometimes the simplest solution is the most effective. This is the basis of a practice growing in popularity known as "voluntary simplicity."

Instead of buying everything new, try buying products used. Reuse what you already have; be creative and innovative. That's the beauty of the green movement - there are no boundaries. It doesn't discriminate; it doesn't belong to any race, religion, or political party. It belongs to all of mankind.

The introduction of humans to the planet has sparked the largest extinction event known in geologic history. It does no good to point fingers; we need to act immediately to correct our actions now while we still can.

To remedy the damage we've done to this planet, a mere commercial trend won't cut it. What we need is a technological transformation on par with the Industrial Revolution. What we need is social change.

Though we have a long road ahead of us, I commend the steps we've already taken to improve our world, and I look forward to a future with a clean, safe planet for my children.

Call me a "closet hippie" or a "tree hugger;" I've heard it all before. If this does turn out to be just another fad, after it's all said and done, I'll still be out there protecting my planet. What else is there?